LCMHC, 15 years of experience
New to Grow
Debbie Howard, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) Hi, I’m Debbie! Reaching out for support takes courage, and I would be honored to walk alongside you! I help individuals, families and youth work through challenges including: life transitions, stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and parenting. I also specialize in helping young clients build resilience, confidence, and healthy coping skills to support lasting change at home and school. With 15 years of experience, I bring a warm supportive client centered approach to create a safe nonjudgmental space where healing and growth can occur. I believe therapy should be collaborative and empowering, always tailored to your unique needs and goals. My therapeutic approach integrates multiple evidence-based practices including CBT. DBT, ACT, Mindfulness, trauma-informed care, solution focused therapy, alternative family CBT and more to support healing, growth and positive change. You don’t have to go through this alone-let’s take the next step together to foster resilience, self-awareness and positive change.
In our first session, the focus in on getting to know each other. I'll explain how therapy works, including confidentiality. I will explore what you need to feel comfortable and supported as we start this process. I'll ask some questions about what brought you in, your background, your strengths and what you're hoping to get out of therapy. You don't need to have everything figured out- this is a chance to talk about what's been going on and what you'd like to work toward. Together, we'll start to outline goals and next steps. It's normal to feel a mix of emotions, sometimes nervous, relieved or even a little drained afterward. That's all part of the process, and we'll go at a pace that feels right for you.
My approach is collaborative and supportive. I'll listen closely to your story, help you discover solutions that feel right for you, and teach practical coping strategies you can use right away. My goal is to make sure you feel understood, empowered, and equipped to handle life's challenges.
If you feel overwhelmed with life stressors or challenges and are ready to make positive changes, let's take that first step together. If you have concerns with relationships, family, youth and your individual needs; we can work together is a supportive collaborative space to move forward with confidence in addressing your concerns.
The benefits of CBT from my experience is the application with a wide range of concerns. CBT is structured, evidence based and focused on teaching skills to manage thoughts, emotions and behaviors.
I have vast experience working with child and parents to build on strengths with a variety of modalities: AF-CBT alternative family CBT and PCIT (ages 3-6) parent child interactive therapy. In addition I incorporate a variety of interventions and approaches to meet the unique needs of the individual and their family.
In my experience DBT is helpful in balancing acceptance of strengths and moving toward the change clients want in their lives.
SFT in my experience is so helpful in building on your strengths, with small achievable steps moving toward what's possible to reach your goals.
My vast experience with families is focused on communication, problem-solving, strengthening relationships to help achieve your goals building on family strengths and values.